Sandra Rafter, 71, considers her options during a bridge game at The Best Years Senior Center. Social Security Administration officials said it's critical in hurricane-prone areas to keep seniors from having the same problems as those who were displaced by hurricanes Rita and Katrina.

Seniors play bridge at The Best Years Senior Center in Beaumont on Friday, June 23, 2006. During the mandatory hurricane evacuation period, many seniors needed their Social Security payments while out of town. Even when they returned, mail was not delivered until streets were clear and gasoline was available.